Motorola Intros Rugged Handhelds Running Windows Mobile 6.5

Motorola has unleashed a couple of new “enterprise mobile computers” designed for on-premise applications, with one model specifically geared for the healthcare environment. Both are based on Windows Mobile 6.5, which may seem odd at first — since Microsoft now pitches Windows Phone 7 to the channel. But Motorola’s reasons for backing Windows Mobile 6.5 actually make sense. Here’s why.

With all the new fancy touch-screen OSes on the market, why would Motorola go with Windows Mobile 6.5 Classic? Motorola’s spec sheet for the devices claims Windows Mobile 6.5 is still the best and most ‘advanced’ mobile operating system for enterprise interoperability, and the company has a point. In the handheld device arena, neither Apple iOS nor Google Android adoption has reached the point of easy integration with custom hardware, and likewise custom hardware manufacturers haven’t exactly been churning out iOS and Android add-ons. Meanwhile, Motorola hasn’t left the Windows Mobile 6.5 device running the stock OS — instead, the company has spruced it up with some nifty extra features.

Both the MC55A0 and the healthcare edition (MC55A0-HC, featuring an easily disinfected surface) come equipped with software designed for quick and easy input of information to boost customer and patient satisfaction. Verticals of all sort can take advantage of the company’s software, and Motorola is aiming the device at retail workers, hospitality workers, healthcare and government agencies.

Other than all the photo, video, e-mail and other multimedia stuff you’d expect these devices to have, they also support push-to-talk, voice over data and a vivid display designed for optimal viewing in all lighting conditions. Naturally, it’s rugged, designed to deal with temperature extremes, dust, water and intensive sanitation.

Which actually brings up another good point — and it’s something channel partners pitching the Motorola device can use in their discussions with customers. How dirty does the iPad get? Fingerprints, skin oil and other gross blotches dirtying up the screen may not play well in the healthcare space, and the iPad isn’t really “rugged” without a case (and even then you could be taking your chances).

Still, with the proliferation of consumer devices in the enterprise space — even in those verticals that require a certain amount of ruggedness in their devices — selling purpose-built devices may be more difficult than the commission they generate. VARs firmly planted in particular verticals may see a modicum of success, but the general market may not be as excited.

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